WHAT'S ON WORLDWIDE

Jamaica

4-9 August. Montego Bay comes alive, or even more alive than normal, during Reggae Sumfest 97. The line-up includes 'Mr Boombastic' Shaggy, 's biggest sound systems Stone Love and Renaissance, Ziggy Marley (pictured) and all-day beach partying for as long as you can stand up. Not to be confused with Reggae Sunsplash which has been postponed until February.

Japan

6 August. Taking place in the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima. The Peace Ceremony is held in memory of the atomic-bomb victims, and thousands of lanterns are lit by citizens and set adrift on the Ota River, while prayers are said for world peace.

Spain

8-10 August. Benicassim '97, is bigger than ever with 12,000 revellers expected this year. This three-day music event will have a dance tent with international DJs, experimental theatre, and film shows. International acts include Blur, The Chemical Brothers, Teenage Fanclub, Echobelly, Suede, Massive Attack, Coldcut, and Bentley Rhythm Ace.

Sweden

8-15 August. The Stockholm Water Festival opens with an enormous crayfish picnic. The numerous events following include opera, concerts, theatre, fireworks displays, Viking rowing races, and the delightful wetsuit fashion shows.

Scotland

10-30 August. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe starts this Sunday. Notables this year include David Baddiel, Jenny Eclair, Mark Thomas, Frank Skinner, Steven Berkoff, and Lenny Henry. However, the festival is as much about new talent as anything else, and the subjects under theatrical scrutiny this year range from air-traffic controllers to Puccini, 17th-century career girls to sex after 70. Performances are going on, non-stop for three-and-a-half weeks, in any available theatre, pavement space, garden shed, and front porch.